In Celebration of the Church

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this [R]ock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18 (NIV)

What is the value of the church? Not the building of course, but the called-out people who have professed belief in Jesus Christ. Is there benefit to us gathering (virtually and in-person)? Is it important for us to be and stay connected to one another? Does our existence in our communities and neighborhoods make any difference? These are some of the questions that I have been contemplating as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost this coming Sunday.

Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. It is the day when Holy Spirit came and filled those gathered in a specific place with miraculous power. (See Acts 1) All these years later, Believers in Christ are still gathering (albeit in different ways) and still being filled with Holy Spirit’s power. Moreover, people are still being amazed and perplexed when they see God working and moving in and through us. The response to us by those on the outside may vary. Nevertheless, there is value in the Church – the people of God – and that value is that we represent Jehovah. We are the recipients of God’s wisdom, grace, power, joy, and love. We point others to Christ. We stand as a witness to God’s goodnes. In a world that is ever-changing, the Church is a constant. We preach Christ with our lips and our lives. We are salt and light and love. We are the hands, feet, and mouthpieces of Christ in the world. And, while I may be a little biased, I think that’s a pretty big deal! What about you?

Loving and praying for you,
Pastor Danielle